Chapter 38

 

 

The following three days brought a flurry of activity at the new men’s shelter, and time for the Nephilim to hone all of the fine details of their upcoming mission. Nathan came to the Fifth Avenue residences the second day, once he understood what was afoot, and offered to go with them. But Alex was reluctant to include him. She encouraged Nathan to plan with them, but would give him no solid promise about an assigned role. She had also decided that she would not allow Jack to come either, though she had yet to tell him of her decision.

On the third night after the council’s meeting, Gaius, Rohan, and Sabina came with Alex to the airport to help pave the way for the surprise she had been working steadily towards bringing to fruition. They waited patiently at the entrance of a jetway, to which the private Nephilim plane was taxiing. Gaius lightly patted her lower back, and they smiled at one another just as the first two guests walked towards them.

Alex stepped forward to introduce herself and those with her, as Jack’s family disembarked. She shook hands with them, and smiled when his grandfather and grandmother pulled her in for a hug as they thanked her for bringing them all together. Alex saw Jack’s brother Michael approaching and her smile only grew.

“Michael, it's so nice to finally meet you in person. You look just like a picture I once saw of you in Jack’s London flat. In person, though, you resemble Jack more than I expected.” Alex grinned as she clasped his hand in between hers.

He blushed a bit and dipped his head. “Thanks… I think,” Michael chuckled. “Call me Mike though. All my friends do.”

“As long as you call me Alex,” she agreed cheekily.

“I can do that. Alex, you know of Shelby, my girlfriend,” Mike said, and then motioned for Shelby to come forward and join them.

Alex smiled as she met the lovely young lady, who she’d learned was quite important to Jack’s brother. She introduced Gaius and her brethren then, feeling a wide grin grace her lips as they talked.

Gaius and Rohan helped to secure trolleys for everyone’s luggage, and they led the large assembly through the bustling airport out to the three Escalades they had driven there that night. Gaius and Alex were joined in their SUV by Jack’s parents, Mike, and Shelby. Alex had spoken with them on the phone frequently throughout the last week and a half as she planned for Jack’s birthday, and it was a delight for her to meet them in person.

“Are you really Jack’s boss?” Mike asked her.

Alex turned around in her seat as she nodded at him. She laughed at the teasing look playing across his face. “I most certainly am, Mike. Don’t worry though, because we all actively recruited your brother and we’ve given him a substantial raise to join our organization. We only seek out the best, and Jackson is, by far, one of the most courageous and giving souls I have ever encountered.”

His blush returned, and Alex thought how alike his response was to Jack’s. She then turned her attention to Jack and Mike’s parents. She asked them how the flight to New York had been, and both Brenda and Walton Campbell related their delight over the spacious airplane they had traveled on.

“Does the plane belong to your organization, Alexandria?” Mr. Campbell asked, and she confirmed that it did.

She smiled tenderly at him. “Honestly, Mr. Campbell, it gave me pause the first time I traveled on it too. But it was Jack who told me not to let material things obscure my view of the good we were accomplishing. You’ve a very insightful son,” Alex praised.

He turned quiet for a moment and then Mrs. Campbell thanked Alex for her kind words. She began to quiz Alex about how they would surprise Jack the next morning, and Alex promised her it was all well in hand.

“Jack’s girlfriend, Lauren, has of course been part of the planning, and she agreed to keep Jack out for dinner and a show tonight. He will be none the wiser until breakfast tomorrow morning,” Alex said conspiratorially.

Everyone chuckled at the mischievous expression on Alex’s face.

They continued to chat until Gaius parked in front of their home. As everyone exited the SUV, she saw Rohan and then Sabina pull up behind them with Jack’s grandparents, a few cousins, uncles, aunts, and several Marines whom Jack had served with. Mike and Walton had been instrumental in helping Alex track down a few of his former servicemen for the surprise, and she knew Jack would most likely be speechless when he beheld the large assembly gathered in his honor.

Iain, Elrick, Nassor, Benen, Tomoko, and Ahadi came out to greet the new arrivals and help with their luggage. Alex noticed several of Jack’s single cousins and fellow Marines looking more than once at Sabina, Tomoko, and Ahadi as the ladies helped to usher them inside. Alex smiled to herself, but offered no comment.

They spent the next hour getting everyone settled into a room, leading them on a tour of all three residences, and then offering light refreshments in the Whitney home’s dining room before they turned in for the night. Jack’s family was highly curious about the large assembly they found themselves surrounded by, and Alex could see where Jack inherited his keen perception.

His father and grandfather asked very direct and engaging questions, in an effort to learn more about their son’s new profession and colleagues. Alex smiled as she watched the immortals deliberately give responses that answered their questions without giving anything of great importance away.

Jack’s mother came to sit in the chair to Alex’s left, and they chatted companionably throughout the time everyone snacked. Alex watched the five young Marines have a lively discussion with Iain, Elrick, and Titus. She knew that she would have to mentally share those memories with Jack at some point. More and more, Alex was learning to cling to such moments, because they helped to bring balance and stability into her life.

After a while, Alex knew they were pushing the limits of Jack’s outing with Lauren. She stood and waited for quiet to descend.

“I want to thank everyone for agreeing to come and help us surprise Jack. And though I hate to end this fellowship, I have to say that Jack will be home shortly. So, we all have to make ourselves scarce until tomorrow morning,” Alex said.

Sabina stood next and smiled at Alex initially before turning her dazzling grin towards Jack’s family and friends. “We need everyone back in this room by 9:00 in the morning. Jack will be finished with his run by then, and we’ll convene for breakfast to really surprise him. Does anyone need anything before we part for the remainder of the evening?” she asked innocently.

Alex just stared at Sabina, knowing she was deliberately toying with the young men who had already noticed her staggering beauty. And of course, a few spoke up and asked for help finding their room again so they did not get lost. Ahadi offered her assistance too, and then Alex did have to work hard to stifle her laughter. Alex noted that Rohan narrowed his eyes at the two and shook his head slowly.

 

When Jack returned home for the evening, he found a few of his friends at the kitchen’s trestle table. Alex and Gaius were there with John, Nassor, Rohan, and Benen. They welcomed him in, and he poured himself a glass of water before taking the chair to Alex’s left. He patted Cara’s head, where she lay dozing in Alex’s lap, and Alex asked him how his night had gone. He smiled and told them about the show he and Lauren had attended on Broadway.

Alex listened, and as she did, her resolve to keep Jack out of the upcoming mission only solidified within her heart and mind. She suddenly remembered a comment he had made, the day she wanted Rohan to show her how to protect herself from modern weaponry. Jack had asked what would happen to her, when one of the bullets the immortals deflected possibly traveled in her direction. Alex knew that she wanted Jack nowhere near the bullets and heavy artillery they were going to be faced with at the quarry.

An image of Jack gutted by Aagon was at the forefront of her mind before she could stop it. And in that moment, Alex knew she would never, ever allow him to travel with them into dangerous territory again. He was just too precious to risk.

“Alex, sweetie, look at me,” Jack softly called to her.

She realized that both he and Gaius had a hand on her shoulders. She looked up at him, still slightly dazed.

“Hey, what’s the matter? You’ve lost all of your color,” Jack said, searching her eyes.

Alex exhaled heavily and shivered. “Perhaps I’m just tired tonight, Jack. I think I’m going to turn in for the evening. Goodnight, everyone,” she said quietly.

She knew neither Jack nor the others were buying her explanation, but she stood anyway and walked over to the door to let Cara out for moment before she made her way to bed. When she passed by the table, Alex told Gaius she would see him shortly. She and Cara scaled the stairs quickly and she was snuggled under the covers before he could join her in the room.

But Gaius wasted little time, and he was in the bed before she could fall asleep. He rolled to his side and then pulled her into his arms. Alex nuzzled his chest while he began to stroke her back.

“Alex, tell me what is the matter,” he whispered against her hair.

Alex sighed as his aura traveled into her skin, seeking to bring her peace and comfort while she worked her way through whatever was troubling her. She lightly kissed his skin, and then leaned back so their gazes met.

“I’m alright, Gaius. It’s just that a few very unpleasant thoughts came to my mind and I did not want to share them with Jack just then. He was too happy. And so I thought it best not to dredge up painful moments from the past,” she sighed.

She placed her palms on his chest, and told him exactly what she had been thinking in the kitchen, and how she had remembered Jack lying broken and bloodied at her feet. Alex shook her head slightly as she saw it replay in her mind.

“Gaius, I am never allowing Jack on another dangerous mission. He deserves a future with Lauren and all those gathered here to surprise him in the morning. And,” she added, “I will never jeopardize that future by letting him run too close to the danger with us. Never again.”

And though Alex knew it was the correct decision, her words carried a finality that made her heart feel as if it were being torn in half. For it meant that she and Jack would truly have to part ways at some point in the future, and now that moment seemed closer than ever.

Gaius’ expression softened considerably. He raised a hand to gently caress her face and smooth the tears away that were beginning to cascade down her cheeks.

“I so love your tender and compassionate heart. And, I agree wholeheartedly with you. Others with us have already expressed the same desire to keep Jack off of the planned mission to Africa, and future missions of the same nature, Alex. Not one among us wants to see Jack hurt again, either.”

“Jack won’t like being told he cannot accompany us,” Alex whispered.

Gaius smiled and shook his head. “No, he will not like it one bit. But, I promise you, Alex, that we will talk with Jack in private and handle the news with him, with grace and love. He will come to understand that our decision is for the best. And,” he added teasingly, “if that talk does not work, we can always pull Lauren in, and she will most assuredly help make our case.”

They both began to laugh lightly and Alex put a hand over her mouth to stifle the sound passing through her lips. But Gaius moved his palm over and drew her hand away from her lips.

He shook his head slightly and said, “No, love, do not stop your laughter tonight. I need to hear it, as much as you need to let it out.”

Alex nodded her agreement as he leaned in to kiss her softly.

He pulled back soon after, and snuggled her to his heart again. Alex kissed his chest a second time and told him goodnight, then let sleep claim her. Gaius continued to stroke her back for a while as he thought of what a challenge it was going to be, when she had to say good-bye to Jack. He prayed that the Lord might give him the words he would need to help her through the upcoming separation.

 

The following morning, Alex was not hard to wake. Gaius only had to call to her mind twice before she stirred in his arms. Knowing what awaited Jack at breakfast had her excited enough to move away from Gaius’ warmth for a time.

As soon as they were dressed, Alex led Cara out to the courtyard and then fed her breakfast so she would not disturb everyone gathering for Jack. Nathan, Elizabeth, and Lauren entered the Whitney home’s kitchen just as Alex and Gaius did. They all embraced one another and Lauren seemed on cloud nine, knowing that she was about to meet so many members of Jack’s family.

“How are you keeping him delayed?” Nathan asked, as he grinned at Gaius.

“Oh, Sabina is taking care of that,” Alex chuckled. “Trust that she can figure out a way to confuse him into coming to breakfast late.”

“If Sabina is in charge of that task, I have no doubt Jack will be confused,” Nathan admitted, as Elizabeth swatted his chest. He feigned injury, but Elizabeth just pursed her lips at him.

Alex led them upstairs where the Campbells and Jack’s friends were already waiting. She immediately introduced their guests to Lauren, Elizabeth, and Nathan, and then stood back beside Gaius while they all moved forward to talk with Lauren. Gaius gently stroked her back as they took in the love that was freely flowing around them. Alex felt Sabina calling to her mind, and she signaled for everyone to stop talking for a moment.

They could clearly hear Jack and Sabina approaching. Sabina was rattling on about the fact that she needed him to help her with a special project. One that she did not want anyone else to know about.

“Sabina, you know that I don’t mind helping you in the least. But as you’ve yet to tell me what it is you need help with, I’m at a complete loss,” Jack said to her.

Alex pressed her lips together, knowing that they were only a few steps away.

“Well, you see, Jack, the project is most delicate. And actually, it’s before you,” Sabina chuckled.

He furrowed his brow at her, as they turned the corner and everyone yelled, “Surprise!” startling Jack quite a bit. He froze mid-stride and moved no further. His parents moved forward first, just as Alex’s had when they surprised her. Mike and Shelby were next to follow, and then Lauren walked to his side. More and more approached him, and Alex saw the blush that thoroughly covered his skin from all the attention focused solely on him.

Eventually, Jack’s eyes found Alexandria’s and he smiled knowingly at her. She nodded her head once and patted Gaius’ waist where her arm was anchored. Jack’s fellow Marines were talking with him by then, and Jack embraced each one tightly as he thanked them for making the long journey.

“Hey, now. Anytime you want to fly me to New York on a private plane and put me up for the weekend on Fifth Avenue, I’m more than ready to come,” laughed one named Branden, giving Jack a wide grin.

“I’ll vote for that,” said another of Jack’s friends named Carter.

Light laughter circulated among the men, and Jack dipped his chin a bit as he silently agreed.

John invited everyone to eat then, and they all moved to a chair. He said grace for the assembly, and once food was offered to their guests, the immortals began to serve themselves. Alex listened to the same easy banter and fellowship circulate amongst Jack’s family, which she experienced with her own. Jack’s mother sat to her left again, and Alex found that their conversation was very comfortable now, unhurried and unforced.

Throughout the meal, Alex soaked up the scene before her. From her own journey, she understood the need to have one’s family involved and cognizant of the choices one made. Alex could clearly see that it was important and necessary for Jack to have his family fully aware of how he was choosing to spend his days now - in pursuit of a life devoted to service and helping his fellow man. Their knowledge and approval of where their son or brother was and what he was doing, bolstered Jack’s spirits as well as his family’s.

It was just as it had been for her, Alex thought, when she had first traveled back to the Manor House to divulge the truth about the Nephilim to her family. They had rallied around her in support and love. And Alex could see that same love and happiness radiating from Jack’s family, now that they saw he was fulfilled and content.

As the meal drew to an end, Jack placed his fork to the side and looked across the table at his father. “Dad, have you already made plans for the weekend with whoever coordinated this little surprise gathering?” His eyes drifted over to Alex again and he winked at her, knowing full well it had all been her idea.

“Alexandria did plan your birthday surprise, son. But we’re not following any set itinerary, as far as I know,” Mr. Campbell answered, watching the direction of his son’s gaze.

Many turned to Alex then to see what, if any, plans she had made. She grinned and looked at Jack as she answered the question put before her.

“We actually have dinner plans for the next three evenings, and a concert that you are all invited to Sunday night, if you so desire to go. But, the next three days are pretty much open to whatever you, your family, and friends want to do, Jack. Everyone can come along to see the mission work you’re a part of and participate too, take in the sights, or stay home and enjoy one another’s company here. It is really up to you all,” Alex said, and smiled tenderly at Jack.

“Sounds like a blank slate. So, what are y’all most interested in doing?” Jack asked, and looked to his family.

His parents had never been to New York and his mother began to name a few sights that she had always wanted to see. Alex loved her enthusiasm, and wanted to help in any way she could.

“Mrs. Campbell, we can most certainly take you anywhere you want to go,” Alex offered.

“Oh, I would love to take them on a walking tour in the heart of the city,” Lauren smiled at Jack.

“I like the sound of that, too,” Jack answered, then gently settled a hand on Lauren’s back.

Branden and Logan, two of Jack’s fellow Marines, grinned at one another.

“How about we go out and have a little fun one night?” Logan asked, still smiling broadly.

Jack understood their meaning at once, and he looked to Sabina.

She patted Logan’s hand. “I think I can arrange a night of fun for those interested,” Sabina offered, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Alex chuckled as all the single men looked at Sabina with renewed interest.

Finally, Jack’s father and grandfather said that they would like to see some of the work that Jack was involved in with his new career path. Walton looked past his wife at Alex, and confessed, “I didn’t think we would be able to see it all first hand, but I had been hopeful.” His infectious grin gave away his excitement, though. “Alexandria, do we need to go through any background checks before we volunteer?” Mr. Campbell asked, and she laughed before she could stop herself.

“I can assure you, Mr. Campbell, that Jack’s reference is all that’s needed for you to work alongside him. Anyone related to or who is a friend of Jack’s is pre-approved, as far as I am concerned,” Alex grinned at him.

“Yeah and remember, Dad, that Alex is Jack’s boss after all. So it must be official,” Mike said teasingly. Light laughter flowed around the table following his comment.

“How did that come about exactly?” Ethan, one of Jack’s cousins, asked. “Alex looks far too young to be at the helm of a world-wide organization.”

Jack gave him an exasperated look and shook his head.

“Alex, ignore my younger cousin,” Jack sighed, but everyone was still laughing softly over the question.

“It’s alright. I don’t mind, Jack.” She looked over at Ethan and smiled. “Ethan, I am more than I appear to be. And you should not let my appearance or youth form your opinion of me,” Alex calmly stated.

“It’s hard not to notice you,” Ethan said a little too quickly, and Gaius had to cough to cover his laughter.

Jack spoke up then and angled his head in warning. “Ethan, knock it off, before your youth and lack of better judgment go too far. Need I remind you that her husband is sitting right next to her, and he is far larger than you happen to be?”

Gaius slightly raised a hand to dismiss the young man’s comment, and he nodded once at Ethan to let him know there were no hard feelings. Ethan’s face was beginning to turn bright pink from his embarrassment, so Alex redirected his attention.

“Ethan, tell us what you might want to do or see while you’re here in New York,” Alex encouraged him.

He cleared his throat and grasped the topic as if it were a lifeline. As Ethan spoke, Alex gave him her undivided attention and sent her aura flowing over him to soothe and calm his nerves. And under her loving power, he seemed to breathe a little easier.

After a bit more discussion, Jack’s family and friends had planned their itinerary for the next three days. They agreed that they would go with him that day, to volunteer at the homeless shelter and veteran’s center he most often worked in. They would sight see the next day, and leave Sunday open for family time or whatever struck their fancy.

 

As they were standing to take their leave from the dining room, Brenda touched Alex’s shoulder to gain her attention.

“Alex, thank you again for this wonderful opportunity you’ve organized. It means so much to us,” she grinned, and the two hugged one another.

“Yes,” Jack’s father added, “and I want you to know that I’m very touched by the time you’ve set aside, so we can see our son, Alex. And, please, call me Walt.”

“Thank you both for your kind words, but I was reared to never address my elders by their first names. So, I will have to call you Mr. Campbell. But perhaps I can manage Mr. Walton,” Alex said cheekily and smiled at him.

“As a gentleman from the south, I do like the sound of that, Alexandria,” he confessed and gently pulled her in for a hug.

 

Alex and Gaius stayed behind to help clear the table as the assembly left to prepare for the day’s work. She looked up to see Jack coming back in the room. He walked directly to Alex and gathered her in his arms.

“Thank you, Alex, from the bottom of my heart for this birthday surprise. It means more than you may ever know,” he confessed. Jack straightened and held her arms as he looked over at Gaius.

“Gaius, thank you, too. This is just great,” Jack grinned.

“We’re pleased to see your joy, brother. You are most welcome,” Gaius smiled.

Alex pulled him back in for another hug. “Jack, your smile is all the thanks we need. Happy birthday,” she chuckled against him.

Jack squeezed Alex tightly before he released her, and then he lightly kissed her cheek.

“Are you ready for a few days of fun with my family?” he asked playfully.

“I am more than ready,” she played back.

“But, Alex, I have to warn you that Ethan, my friends, and unfortunately even Mike are a little star struck by all of you immortal ladies. I can already see it, plain as day. So, please, I ask for your indulgence on their behalf. Especially, Ethan; he’s just half a year older than you,” Jack grinned helplessly, and she watched his dimple appear.

Alex laughed lightly at his words. “Jack, I assure you there is nothing to worry about from my end. And I can tell that Sabina, Ahadi, and Tomoko are more than able to handle the attention. In fact, I think Sabina is helping to bring some of it about.” All three laughed together over the truthfulness of her statement.

“I think that’s an understatement,” Jack smirked.

Alex nodded and patted his cheek. “Go and join them, Jack. We’ll be right behind you,” she urged him softly.

He grinned and then headed back out of the dining room. But Alex stood still and watched him leave, feeling like that one moment in time held a significance for Jack and herself that perhaps he did not yet realize. Gradually, in her heart and mind, she was preparing to let him go. And seeing him with Lauren, his family, and friends would be the final reassurance she would need, to know he would be loved and well cared for, even if she was no longer by his side each and every day.

Alex drew in a shaky breath as tears stung her eyes. She felt Gaius’ arms enfold her as he stepped closer. She leaned back against his chest and felt his chin rest atop her head.

“He will always be with you, sweetheart,” he murmured.

“I know,” Alex said through the emotion that was constricting her throat.

Gaius moved his face alongside hers and he nuzzled Alex. He kissed her neck and then let his cheek rest next to hers again.

“Let’s go and enjoy these next few days with Jack and his family. The more you’re around them, the more you will see that he has many who love and care for him. And, when they take their leave, just as we soon will, you will know firsthand what a supportive network of souls Jack has in his life. For he will have them and us, Alex. Always.”

“Yes,” she breathed. “And that is a very, very good thing.”

“Most assuredly it is. One can never have enough family or friends,” Gaius chuckled and kissed her temple.

“I love you,” she murmured. “Help me see this through, Gaius. Because this won’t be easy for me, even though it’s the right thing to do.”

“I am with you in all ways and in all things, Alex. Even in such challenges as we will face shortly.”

Alex nodded and drew in a deep breath. She patted his arms and then moved out of Gaius’ hold, determined to give Jack the best birthday ever.